Nathan Cleary has defended Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland against online abuse, calling the hip-drop tackle that left him with a compound ankle fracture a “complete accident” and saying he has “nothing but respect” for the Knights No.9 ahead of tonight’s NRL judiciary hearing.
From his hospital bed, Cleary posted on Instagram alongside a graphic of abuse directed at Crossland and urged fans to stop, ABC News reported on Tuesday. Crossland faces the NRL judiciary at 6pm AEST tonight after a straight match-review referral for the tackle that ended Cleary’s season and World Cup campaign, as The Sporting Base outlined.
Cleary’s Instagram message
Cleary confirmed on Monday night that Crossland had apologised for the hip-drop that left him needing emergency surgery for a compound fracture and a dislocated ankle, ABC reported. Less than 24 hours before Crossland’s hearing, Cleary publicly backed him.
“Please don’t be one of those people writing comments like this to Phoenix,” Cleary posted, according to ABC. “It was a complete accident, and he doesn’t deserve the unwarranted hate. He reached out to apologise, and I have nothing but respect for him.
“He’s a competitor, and our game is made up of split-second moments that sometimes lead to unfortunate circumstances.
“Comments like this are so unfair. Spread love, not hate.”
ABC said the comments against Crossland included accusations the tackle was deliberate and threats to maim him, and that several were not suitable for print. TSB is not repeating those comments.
How we got here
Crossland was sent off by referee Gerard Sutton late in the first half of Newcastle’s 22-14 preliminary-final win over Penrith at Accor Stadium, covered in TSB’s match report. Cleary was stretchered from the field and has since been ruled out of Australia’s Rugby League World Cup campaign, TSB reported.
Sunday’s grand final against the Sydney Roosters is already sold out, with Newcastle travel arrangements a major talking point after NRL chief executive Peter V’landys intervened on trackwork, as TSB reported.
Knights wrap arms around Crossland
Knights director of football Chris James told ABC Sport the club would present a case at the hearing while stressing the tackle was not intentional.
“We need to go down there and present a case to them, but it is a horrible accident at speed under fatigue,” James said, according to ABC. “Phoenix Crossland has made more tackles in the NRL than any other player and he got one wrong.
“He got one wrong and it was a horrible injury for Nathan but that’s not Phoenix’s go. If you’ve ever met Phoenix Crossland, he’s one of the great men of rugby league.
“Horrible for Nathan, the thoughts of our club go out to Nathan.
“He’ll go down as one of the greats of the game and we hope he has a speedy recovery, but we’ll also wrap our arms around Phoenix and make sure we look after him this week too.”
ABC also noted reporting that Crossland will almost certainly miss Sunday’s grand final and that the longest suspension handed down for a hip-drop tackle is five weeks — context only until the panel rules. TSB will not state that Crossland is suspended or ruled out of the grand final until the judiciary announces its finding.
What happens next
Crossland’s hearing is set for 6pm AEST Tuesday. Official grand final team lists are also due today and will be covered once released. TSB will update as soon as the panel delivers its decision.
